AO3 Families and Households

What are the 3 perspectives of the family?

Functionalism

Marxism

Feminism

What is the functionalist perspective on the family and what sociologists argue for this?

Murdock and Parsons

Functionalists see the nuclear family as beneficial for society, performing essential functions. Parsons’ “warm bath theory” is seen as outdated in a society where diverse family forms are more common. Critics such and frminists argue that this view is idealised and overlooks family diversity and negative experiences within the family.

What is the Marxist perspective of the family and what sociologists argue for this?

Engels, Zaretsky

Marxists argue the family reproduces class inequality, but critics say this approach is overly deterministic and doesn’t explain family diversity or individual agency. For instance, Zaretsky argues the family acts as a safety valve for capitalism, but others highlight that families resist capitalist values.

What is the Feminist perspective on the family and what sociologists argue for this?

Oakley, Greer

Feminists argue the family reinforces patriarchy, but this perspective is often criticized for ignoring positive aspects of family life (e.g., satisfaction, companionship). Liberal feminists argue for gradual change, while radical feminists highlight issues like domestic violence (e.g., Dobash and Dobash’s study).

What are the 3 views on family diversity?

Rapoports’ 5 Types of diversity

Postmodernism

Neo-conventional family

What is the Rapoports’ 5 types of diversity

- Rapoports’ Five Types of Diversity: The Rapoports’ work highlighted increased diversity, but New Right thinkers (e.g., Murray) argue that non-nuclear families undermine social stability and lead to issues like dependency culture.

What does Postmodernism say about family diversity?

Stacey

Stacey suggests postmodern society allows for diverse family forms that suit individual needs, but critics argue that not everyone has equal freedom due to economic constraints.

What is the Neo-conventional family and who argues for this?

Chester

Chester argues that the nuclear family remains dominant, but others suggest this perspective overlooks significant family diversity, as lone-parent, reconstituted, and same-sex families have grown.

What are 3 views on social policy and its influence on the family?

The New Right

Feminism
Functionalism

What does the New Right argue about social policy + who?

Murray

The New Right argues that welfare policies (e.g., benefits for lone parents) promote a “dependency culture” and undermine the nuclear family. However, feminists argue that cutting benefits disproportionately harms women and children, and may reinforce inequality.

What do feminists argue about social policy + who?

Land

- Feminism (Land): Land argues that policies are patriarchal, assuming a male breadwinner model, yet recent policies (e.g., shared parental leave) aim to support gender equality, indicating shifts in policy focus.

What do functionalists argue about social policy + who?

Fletcher

- Functionalism (Fletcher): Fletcher argues that the welfare state strengthens family functions, but Marxists counter that social policies primarily benefit the ruling class by keeping the workforce healthy and able to work. For example, tax policies often favor nuclear families, which critics say reinforces traditional family structure

What are the 3 views on childhood?

March of progress

Conflict view

Cross cultural studies

What is the March of progress view on childhood + who?

Aries, Shorter

Aries and Shorter argue that childhood has improved significantly, but child liberationists argue that modern society over-controls children, curbing their freedom (e.g., Firestone argues that “protection” can be oppressive).

What is the conflict view of childhood + who?

Palmer

Palmer argues that contemporary childhood is negatively affected by modern media and technology, leading to mental health issues. Critics argue this view is exaggerated, with some research indicating positive effects of technology for learning and social interaction.

How do cross cultural studies highlight differences in childhood + who?

Benedict

Benedict’s studies highlight cultural differences in childhood roles, suggesting childhood is socially constructed. However, ethnocentrism in these studies can overlook the benefits of child-protection standards in Western societies.

What are 5 demographic changes?

Birth rate and fertility decline

Ageing population

Migration

Marriage decline and cohabitation increase

Divorce rates

Explain Birth rate and fertility decline.

- Birth Rate and Fertility Decline: The decline in birth rates has led to smaller families, which allows women more career opportunities (e.g., McRobbie’s research). However, some argue this has led to an “ageing population,” creating financial strain on welfare services.

Explain an ageing population.

While the elderly contribute economically and socially (e.g., through unpaid childcare), dependency ratios have increased, placing pressure on health and social care. Hirsh suggests policy adjustments (e.g., pension ages) to manage this issue, yet critics argue that increased life expectancy should be celebrated.

Explain migration + who

Vertovec

Vertovec’s concept of “super-diversity” highlights the varied impacts of migration, but others argue that migration is blamed for social issues (e.g., strain on housing), reflecting xenophobic attitudes rather than objective challenges.

Explain divorce rates.

Increased divorce rates are often linked to changing social attitudes and legal changes (e.g., Divorce Reform Act 1969), but some, like the New Right, argue this leads to family breakdown and instability. Feminists argue higher divorce rates reflect women's greater independence and the rejection of patriarchal oppression.

Explain marriage decline and cohabitation increase.

Cohabitation is on the rise, with Beaujouan and Bhrolchain finding it is often a step before marriage. New Right theorists argue cohabitation lacks stability, but others highlight that it suits modern, flexible lifestyles

What are 2 explanations for changing family patterns?

Same sex families

Parsons’ instrumental and expressive roles

Explain Same sex families.

Legal changes, such as the Civil Partnership Act (2004), have increased same-sex family visibility. Weeks argues this supports family diversity, though some critics say it challenges traditional family values. However, postmodernists argue this reflects individual choice in a diverse society

Explain Parsons’ Instrumental and Expressive Roles.

Functionalists like Parsons argue men and women have natural roles, yet feminists argue this reinforces gender stereotypes and disadvantages women. Oakley’s research found that housework is often solely managed by women, contradicting Parsons’ view of balanced roles.

What are the 2 perspectives on the Domestic division of labour?

March of progress

Feminist perspective

Explain the March of progress view on the DoL.

Young and Willmott argue that families are becoming more symmetrical, yet feminist research (e.g., Oakley) shows that women still perform a “dual burden” of paid and unpaid work. Recent studies, like Duncombe and Marsden, highlight the “triple shift” (emotional work, domestic work, and employment) for women.

Explain the feminist perspective on the DoL?

- Feminist Perspective (Dunne): Dunne’s research on same-sex couples found that they tend to have more egalitarian roles, which challenges the notion that gender roles are “natural” but instead socially constructed and often unequal in heterosexual relationships.

What are 3 views of power relationships within the family?

Decision making and resources

Domestic violence

Child power relations

Explain Decision Making and Resources.

Edgell’s study on decision-making found men made more significant financial decisions, but Pahl and Vogler highlight how resources and money are managed within families can vary. Feminists argue this reflects inequality, though others suggest it may be changing as women gain financial independence.

Explain Domestic violence.

Feminists like Dobash and Dobash argue domestic violence is a result of patriarchal norms, yet critics argue this view may overlook violence in other types of relationships and by women. Radical feminists argue that it is a structural issue, while some researchers emphasize individual factors (e.g., alcohol).

Explain Child Power Relations.

Gittins argues there is “age patriarchy” in family structures, where adults control children’s lives. This idea has been critiqued by March of Progress sociologists, who argue that adult protection is necessary for child welfare. The NSPCC data often shows children are at risk in families, highlighting concerns over safety and autonomy.